Trash Contract Delayed for Revisions

News March 5, 2010 News

Before the Kodiak Island Borough Assembly held a public hearing at last night’s regular meeting, Borough Manager Rick Gifford gave a brief summary of the proposed solid waste disposal contract.

He said that with recent revisions, the contract now calls for optional roadside pick-up service within the city limits of Kodiak and removal of all residential dumpsters within the city limits of Kodiak.

Gifford said that outside of the city limits, the residential dumpsters will remain until transfer sites can be established. Once the transfer sites are operational, all residential dumpsters will be removed and the collection system will be based on the pay as you throw system, system wide.

Assemblywoman Judy Fulp summarized the plan like this:

— (AW Contract 1 "Status Quo … going to the dump.")

The changes suggested at last week’s assembly work session are being added to the contract but as Gifford explained, it isn’t yet ready for a vote.

— (AW Contract 2 "Since the collection … next regular meeting.")

During the hearing, members of the public spoke once again about the proposed waste disposal contract. After the hearing, some assembly members responded to the comments they’ve heard throughout the weeks of discussion.

Assemblywoman Pat Branson said that the assembly has been listening to the public and pointed out last night’s hearing as an example. Branson feels that a productive compromise has been reached by bringing the garbage can test-area to the city limits. She said that even though it’s difficult to change, something has to be done to control the amount of garbage that’s sent to the land fill.

— (AW Contract 3 "and the contract … by July 1^st.")

Assemblywoman Fulp said that she was against the contract but now she’s for it.

— (AW Contract 4 "Comments by all the …the transfer stations.")

Gifford mentioned that the goal of the borough is to have the transfer stations built in two years.

After the discussion, the assembly members approved a motion to postpone approval of the contract.